I have never given birth nor have I ever seen anyone give birth. My only experiences regarding the birthing experience has been visiting the mother and baby after the birth. As for my own birth, my mother has told me that I was very late. Originally, my mother's due date was at the end of March but when I didn't show up then the doctor changed her due date to April 15th. However, I was in no hurry (according to my mom) & the doctor had to induce her on April 26th.
While researching birth in other countries, I discovered an article about harmful birthing traditions in East Timor (aka Timor-Leste) that are contributing to a high mortality rate. In East Timor, after giving birth the mother will make a fire and live next to it (with their baby) for up to 3 months. They do this because "the heat from the fire is believed to help dispel "dirty" blood" from the body after birth" (IRIN, 2009, para. 4).
Another tradition that contributes to the mortality rate is the use of birth attendants called 'dukuns'. 'Dukuns' are not trained medical professionals and their harmful practices "include encouraging the mother to push before she is ready, and placing rice or other substances in the birth canal to 'lure the baby out'" (IRIN, 2009, para. 11).
Obviously, there are not any similarities between the birthing practices of East Timor and my own birth. However, it makes me very thankful that if I do give birth eventually, I won't have to worry about these harmful practices.
IRIN: Humanitarian news and analysis. (2009, April 15). Timor-Leste: Gently combating harmful childbirth traditions. Retrieved from www.irinnews.org/Report/83929/TIMOR-LESTE-Gently-combating-harmful-childbirth-traditions
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI thought what you chose to write about was extremely interesting. How did you go about researching that country? I had to reread the part about the fire, because I could not believe what I read the first time. That is absolutely crazy, but I can understand why they believe that to be a tradition.
Maybe because I was born in the U.S., but I think using a 'Dunkun' is crazy. That scares me, because to not have a medical profession there in case of an emergency is extremely scary. But I know people are different and share different customs, but to me that is something I can't even fathom.
Melissa what a unique study of births in other countries. How awful for a mother to willingly give birth to her infant and sleep by a fire for three months. No wonder the mortality rate is so high. The mother does not recieve the correct medical attention nor does her baby, How uncompfortable this must be. This goes to show that traditions and cultural rituals are followed strongly.Thanks for sharing such a unique experince that women in East Timor.
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